Space for Transparency This blog by Transparency International provides an independent and informed viewpoint on corruption. It gives a space to start a worldwide conversation on possible solutions to overcome corruption, and on governance, transparency and accountability.

2011 in words and pictures

An illustrated, month-by-month look at some of the top corruption-related stories and trends of 2011.

January

Mohamed Bouazizi sets himself ablaze in defiance of bribe-seeking police. The death of the 26 year-old Tunisian fruit vendor serves as a catalyst for a surge of protests that quickly unfurl across North Africa and the Middle East. We call for reforms to increase governmental transparency.

As the uprisings gain momentum, Egypt’s president Hosni Mubarak steps down from power. Media reports allege that the Mubarak family have amassed a $70 billion fortune from kickbacks and corruption. We join those calling for action against the theft of public wealth. Mubarak and his two sons are later detained while officials investigate allegations of corruption and the abuse of power.

In 2011, two thirds of the world’s poor lived in resource-rich countries. Accountability mechanisms are desperately needed to track the flow of money. In March, we release a new report promoting transparency in the oil and gas sector. Oil workers are evacuated from Libya, where oil production grinds to a standstill as protests turn to conflict.

Oil workers in Libya, one of several states impacted by the resource curse in 2011. Photo: CC Flickr / alex_gva, flickr.com/photos/36968628@N00/

April

Bangladeshi walking on stepping stones. Photo: Alice Harrison

Climate change initiatives will receive around US$100 billion per year over the next decade. With sums this large, the risk of corruption is high.

Space for Transparency

This blog by Transparency International provides an independent and informed viewpoint on corruption. It gives a space to start a worldwide conversation on possible solutions to overcome corruption, and on governance, transparency and accountability.